Surveys

Bird surveys in Scotland

Advancing our understanding of Scotland’s birds through surveys and research is one of the principal aims of the SOC. Club members participate in a wide range of survey work across Scotland, whether they be local studies instigated by our own branches or national studies coordinated by other organisations. An increasing number of branches are organising local breeding bird atlases, and the publication of these represents a milestone in our understanding of Scotland’s bird community.

The Local Recorders’ Network should perhaps be considered as the largest research project undertaken by SOC members. Local bird reports (and the SBR) aim to document bird populations using records submitted by individuals and research projects. With increasing cooperation between fieldworkers, local bird reports are becoming a primary source of bird information in Scotland.

SOC Research Grants, administered by the Club’s Research and Surveys Committee, are available to members or branches and aim to encourage and support amateur research in Scotland. Projects marked EFG SUPPORTED in the list below have received Endowment Fund support.

Many research projects undertaken by SOC members, as well as other ornithological work undertaken in Scotland, are written up in the Cub’s journal Scottish Birds. The results of other projects, especially those organised locally, are typically published in local bird reports.

The following surveys are known to have been carried out in Scotland in recent years. They are divided into local and national surveys. Where the organising body is not the SOC or local SOC branch, this is indicated. Contact names are given wherever possible.

Local Surveys, by Recording Area

Argyll

Breeding Birds Survey (BBS). In 1998, 16 squares were surveyed in Argyll. Also two CBS sites at Taynish NNR.

Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) study of seabird breeding success – JCA Craik. As part of a wider study of seabird breeding success, selected species are monitored annually in a study area along the west coasts of Kintyre, Mid-Argyll and North Argyll (including Lismore), and at additional sites in Loch Fyne (Cowal/Mid-Argyll) and Mull.

Systematic sea-watching at Machrihanish SBO (Kintyre) – EJ Maguire.

European Non-Estuarine Coastal Waterfowl Survey (NEWS) took place in Dec 1997/Jan 1998 and several coastal areas of Argyll were covered.

Borders

The Manor Valley Survey – This is a 13-year project (2000-2012) conducted by Graham Pyatt of Borders SOC. The area covered is the catchment of the Manor Water, extended in the north-east corner to include Cademuir Hill as far as Tweed Bridge in Peebles. By 2006, Graham had accumulated well over 20,000 bird records and there are now 40,000 bird records (2013). The survey is of amateur but reasonably scientific status, based on targetted walks rather than statistical sampling. The aim is to record all bird and mammal species present (plus ‘interesting’ plants), with approximate counts. During the breeding season, particular emphasis is placed on waders, raptors, Ring Ouzels, and Dippers. In 2007, Graham published a paper on the results (to date) of the survey as ‘Seasonal and altitudinal distribution of birds in a Scottish Borders valley’,Scottish Birds (2007) Vol 27, 15-23. Although writing up is now in progress, any sightings of rare birds, as per the following list, are still required:

Willow Tit nest-box and ringing scheme (with Clyde Ringing Group). This Project arose due to concerns about the depleted numbers of this species. Through this scheme it is hoped to find reasons for their decline and possibly help the situation through the use of specialised nest-boxes, 140 of which are now located in suitable areas. A ringing scheme using colour-codes is helping to chart the movements of the birds, especially dispersal from the natal area. The Project has attracted some funding from BTO and SNH and also much survey and monitoring help from various individuals. The species has been included for priority action in North Lanarkshire’s LBAP (Local Biodiversity Action Plan). Any information/ sightings will be welcomed. Jimmy Maxwell, 7 Lilac Hill, Hamilton ML3 7HG, 01698 426476.

Diver and Grebe Counts at Ardmore Point (annual throughout year): Iain Gibson.

Other surveys which are ongoing, but not always on an annual basis include: Breeding Waders Survey, Rookeries Census, Breeding Water Rail Survey, Gull Roost and Magpie Roost surveys, also breeding Buzzard, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting. Some of these are associated with SOC Clyde Branch involvement with Local Biodiversity Action Plans.